Best Gutter Downspout Diverter for Filling Rain Barrels
The average rainfall per year in the US is slightly over 30 inches. Depending on where you are located, a sustainable rainwater collection system could both save you money and keep you prepared. If you are looking to install a rain barrel, it would be smart to invest in a gutter downspout diverter to prevent overflow issues and reliably feed your water storage. There are many types and models of downspout diverters to pick from.
This is where we come in. We’ve researched the best downspout diverters, put them to the test, and now the results are in: the overall best, a starter option, and an upgrade option. If you need to fill your rain barrels, one of our picks will finish off your project perfectly.
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Best Downspout Diverter
Oatey Mystic
Simple, Inexpensive, and Effective
With a chop-and-swap installation paired with a low cost, this is the best solution available.
*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.
Also available to buy at Walmart.
A breeze to install, the Oatey is a popular choice for residential rain barrel diverters. With a hacksaw and some elbow grease, slap it on your existing gutter system to capture rainwater.
Specifications
- Fit: 2″ x 3″ (residential)
- Diverter Type: Side wall
- Material: White PVC
- Outlet Hose: 48″
- Installation: Hacksaw (remove 6″ of downspout)
You can feed an open-top barrel or a sealed system, where it will really excel. With sealed barrels, the outflow tube can let overflow rainwater run down the gutter instead of overflowing the barrel.
The thick PVC sidewalls are durable, and you can paint the Oatey to match your gutters, if needed. It captures a massive amount of water using surface tension from the feeding gutters, and has plenty of room for debris to drop through without needing filters that can clog and get blocked.
Some downsides of the Oatey diverter include the winterization stop cap (red, above), which is flimsy and isn’t attached, so it can be easy to lose in between seasons. The diverter also doesn’t fit less common sizes, like the 3″ x 4″ or round downspouts. Lastly, the included drain tube is robust but arrives folded, so you’ll need to flatten it out before installation to avoid kinking.
Still, if you are looking for a simple and effective solution, the Oatey Mystic Downspout Diverter is what you need.
Budget Downspout Diverter
Prestantious Diverter
Versatile, Easy to Install, and Inexpensive
A reliable diverter that won’t break the bank and fits both common sizes.
*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.
Control both your rainwater flow and budget with a well-priced diverter that fits both 2″ x 3″ and 3″ x 4″ gutter systems. The flap system controls how much rainwater you divert, but also serves as a shut-off when you turn the knob positioned vertically. It installs very similarly to our top pick, but is slightly bulkier since it fits the larger gutters as well.
Specifications
- Fit: 2″ x 3″ or 3″ x 4″
- Diverter Type: Adjustable flap
- Material: White PVC
- Outlet Hose: 48″
- Installation: Hacksaw (remove 6.5″ of downspout)
The major downside to this diverter is the flow rate. Even though there is an adjustable knob, water flows down gutters and through diverters on the sides due to surface tension. This means, unless you are having torrential rainfall, having the flap contact the side produces pretty much the same water flow, and it only contacts one side.
With simple installation combined with a versatile fit, the Prestantious Downspout Diverter can get the job done.
Upgrade Downspout Diverter
EarthMinded FlexiFit
Versatile, Durable, and All-Inclusive
With included hole bits and hardware, this diverter gives you versatility for your custom rain storage solution.
*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.
EarthMinded offers several downspout kits, but this one is the most comprehensive and versatile of all of them. It includes bits and hole saws to go along with the diverter fitting that pulls water out of virtually any type of downspout.
Specifications
- Fit: Any
- Diverter Type: Hole flange
- Material: Black PVC
- Outlet Hose: 31″
- Installation: Hole saw
All of the EarthMinded gear is top-notch, and this total kit will let you complete your water storage project on your own terms. The included installation supplies are a big help, with the pilot bit and hole saws included to install the various flanges, links, and spigots. The diverter installs easily with a hole saw, but you’ll still need access to the inside to place the flange. This means you’ll need to install the diverter near a gutter link to be able to reach inside.
One downside is reliance on the flange as the water outlet. It collects a much smaller amount of water compared to the other diverters I looked at. This is because it is only installed on one side of an existing gutter, and does not take advantage of the water rushing down all sides.
Still, this is the ideal kit for creating cascading sealed rain barrels, and you can get multiple sets or the EarthMinded barrel link kit to complete the setup. To get better setups beyond this, you are looking at the Clean Rain automatic diverters that break $100.
If you are looking for a versatile kit to complete your setup like a pro, grab an EarthMinded FlexiFit Diverter.
Comparison Table
| Diverter | Recommendation | Price* | Fit (inches) | Diverter Type | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oatey Mystic | Best Overall | $28 | 2×3 | Side wall | Simplicity |
| Prestantious | Best for Budget Installs | $23 | 2×3, 3×4 | Adjustable flap | Range of fit |
| EarthMinded FlexiFit | Best for DIY Rain Barrels | $33 | Any | Hole flange | Versatility |
| AZG Go | $15 | 2×3, 3×4 | Expansion | Low price | |
| Dfnidy | $17 | 2×3 | Side wall | Low price | |
| Anivia Collection System | $25 | 2×3, 3×4 | Side wall | Leaf trap | |
| Tintsabo | $39 | 2×3, 3×4 | Side wall | Dual outlet | |
| Gardener’s Supply | $40 | 2×3, 3×4 | Overflow trap | High flow capture | |
| Clean Rain Advanced | $130 | Any | Automatic | Water filtering | |
| Clean Rain Ultra Pro | $185 | Any | Automatic | Water filtering |
The Diverters We Compared
Our research narrowed the field down to several brands and types of diverters that we compared: Oatey, EarthMinded, Clean Rain, Quattro, Raindrop, Wisy, Save the Rain, and more.
You can see our full list of review criteria below in the What to Look For section, with an explanation for each.
We considered a wide range of diverter brands and types. We narrowed it down to downspout diverters that were relatively easy to install and narrowed our focus to our own solution: rain gutters feeding a rain barrel.
We’re always looking for new and better solutions, so if you have a downspout diverter that you swear by, let us know in the comments. We review most of our tested equipment annually, so we can try to get it in the next roundup and see if it will beat out our top picks.
What to Look For
The best downspout diverters have a few features to look for:
- Value
- Material
- Durability
- Effectiveness
- Versatility
When you get the right blend of these, you can find a diverter that will redirect large quantities of water to your water storage without overflowing. Below, we break down what each of these features means for the rainwater diverters that truly set themselves apart.
Value: Cost vs. Benefit
The amount of money you spend on something like a diverter shouldn’t blow out your entire budget. They all have very similar costs, so it is easy to budget and predict the cost of a rain barrel project with a diverter.
You never want to spend too much money on one thing when it comes to sustainability gear. It’s better to diversify your projects and budget to make sure you are covered for a wide range of scenarios.
Material
Being outdoors and exposed to the elements, it is important to consider the material type used for the diverter. Brass and PVC are typically the go-tos for outdoor plumbing, and the same materials work well here.
The type of material used also affects longevity and durability.
Durability
Dry rot, UV degradation, and rust are all durability concerns that you don’t want to have to deal with based on the material type, but the material thickness and quality straight from the manufacturer also affect durability.
Effectiveness
Diverters redirect water, but usually not all of it. Depending on your downspout size, a diverter may not redirect enough water for your storage solution.
Make sure that your water storage plan won’t be throttled by your diverter. Some diverters also allow you to control the flow, whether it’s the amount redirected or the ability to shut it off completely.
Diverter Type
The way a diverter redirects water from the gutter affects how much water it can move. Water doesn’t typically free-fall down a downspout- it likes to stay on the sides due to surface tension. That’s why almost all diverters divert the water from the sides rather than the center of a downspout. Another benefit to this is that it allows debris to drop through the gutter, since most diverters don’t block the entire path.
Still, many types pull water from downspouts, including:
- Side wall – These diverters have a shelf around every side, sloped to an outlet.
- Hole flange – Installed with a hole saw, it is simply a flange that catches water from one side.
- Flap – Usually adjustable, an internal flap points falling water into an outlet.
- Expansion – One side of the diverter is made larger, drawing water into an outlet with surface tension on just one side.
- Trap – A reservoir traps all water to feed an outlet, and excess flows down a center tube into the remaining gutter.
- Automatic – A sophisticated valve that feeds various amounts of water to the outlet depending on the storage tank capacity.
The first two are the most common and easiest to install, but your best solution depends on your entire water storage plan.
Versatility
Diverters with great versatility offer solutions for a wide range of applications and give you plenty of options when they are in use.
The most versatile models we tested included solutions for different drain pipe sizes and shapes, as well as shutoff valves, flow rate limiters, and debris blockers. Finding solutions that best fit your needs is easier when you pick a versatile model that can adapt to your specific project.
Installation
How easily a downspout diverter can be installed factors into its versatility. You shouldn’t need an engineering degree or welding supplies to make a kit work for your standard residential gutters, and the fewer tools needed, the better.
Most are easily installed within half an hour using hacksaws or hole saws. Some kits even include the tools you need to install the diverter system. Beyond that, some kits even include extra materials to link rain barrels.
Winterization
Whether it’s a plug or the ability to remove the entire diverter, some are easier to winterize than others. Our top picks offer a plug, a turning knob, and a flap for shut-off when the diverter is not needed. All of these simply let the water drain through the downspout as normal.
At first, I thought water freezing in the Oatey downspout might be problematic, since it plugs from the outside and holds some residual water in the internal trap. But the PVC and open air allow the water to expand when it freezes just fine without any cracking or leaks.
How to Use a Downspout Diverter
Most people install their downspout diverter to feed a rain barrel through a roof gutter system. Different diverter kits use different methods to attach to the gutter downspouts.
With some diverters, you’ll need to drill holes in downspouts, while others will want you to cut the entire downspout and re-attach it.
Most diverters are difficult to clog with debris, but a leaf guard system for your gutters can help prevent this.
The rain barrel system (or cistern) is important to consider when you are picking the diverter placement. Diverters work with gravity, so you will always want plenty of clearance for your storage below. Consider capacity for future expansion as well. We’ve already reviewed rain barrels extensively, so be sure to check out the best rain barrels.
Who Needs a Downspout Diverter?
Everyone needs water and should consider what they would do if the tap runs dry in an emergency. Downspout diverters can help you redirect water into storage containers for better preparedness and/or improved sustainability.
Unlike just feeding a downspout into a rain barrel, they prevent overflow by letting water continue to run through the downspout when the rain barrel is full. This prevents minor flooding and damage to your foundation.
Downspout diverters are suggested as part of a water solution for this kit:
No matter what threats come your way, a rain barrel with a diverter is nice to have around so you can have a replenishable source of spare water.
How We Review Products: We research thoroughly before selecting the best products to review. We have vast prepping and survival experience and bring in outside experts when needed. Hours on end are spent testing gear in stressful conditions and using specialized testing gear to verify claims. We assign performance criteria and impartially rate each tested item. Learn more about how we test.
Sources & References
All of our experience and the testing we do to determine the best gutter downspout diverter are useless without listing our research sources and references. We leaned on these for the book knowledge that we paired with our hands-on testing and practical prepping experience:
Heggen, R. (2000). Rainwater catchment and the challenges of sustainable development. Water Science & Technology. Volume 42. Issue 1-2. Pages 141 – 145. (Source)
Nicholson, G. (2005). Homemade downpipe diverter. ReNew: Technology for a Sustainable Future. Issue 93. Pages 25 – 27. (Source)
Lo, A., et al. (2015). Rainwater Harvesting: Global Overview. Rainwater Harvesting for Agriculture and Water Supply. (Source)
Conclusion
Collecting rainwater is one of the best methods to quickly and easily get sustainable water storage. There are several methods for collecting rainwater, but a gutter diverter into a rain barrel is one of the easiest and most common.
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See more of our expert-written guides, resources, and reviews in your search results – add TruePrepper as a preferred source.
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Sean, I’m in New England and would find your reviews to be more helpful if you included a criteria for winterization to avoid running water into the barrel that will turn to ice. I think you made one comment about the red flimsy cap that can be lost.
Also, I try to avoid ordering from Amazon, given the Bezos role in today’s climate.
Thanks for your helpful work.
Merlin